Slug
The common Slug is a somewhat amorphous blob, capable of locomotion and basic animal-like intelligence, and possessing a single eye, which it can use for signalling by altering its shape and luminance. It may also communicate by means of posture and vocalisations, including a surprising variety of chirps, squeaks, moans, barks, etc.. It is thought that Slug oscillate their boby in order to produce sound, and similarly detect it with the outer skin, since neither mouth nor ear parts, are evident, nor indeed a nose, although they seem perfectly capable of detecting concentrations of airborne particles, and feeding is accomplished by simply bringing the boby into contact with food, as the namesake gastropods do, and absorbing nutrients, leaving behind small heaps of soil.
Slug are commonly seen in herds which may reach dozens in number, and while the effect of swarm intelligence is evident, individuals also display remarkably adaptability, and, as well as rapid physical adaptation, are known to develop complex cognitive capabilities, depending on environment and other interactions. This increase in intelligence, accompanied by a transition to an upright habit, gives rise to the higher order of Slugbob. It may be noted that the specific transition point is impossible to define, and is not marked by any telling event, or precipitated by any inevitable process, so that the Slug form may persist indefinitely or develop into one of the other branches.
Slug who interact regularly with Bob are generally considered domesticated, and are valued as unskilled labour or beasts of burden, and often play an important role of Slugbob civilisation and endeavours, but wild slug transfiguration is also possible, and marked by the assumption of some special trait or form, often in imitation of a herd, some local population or phenomenon. These can be as simple as a change in attitude or colouration, but also include more dramatic adaptations to environment, including forms better suited to flying, swimming, climbing etc., and, additionally, albeit rarely, may involve amalgamation of two or more Slug into the greater slug forms.
Slug are commonly seen in herds which may reach dozens in number, and while the effect of swarm intelligence is evident, individuals also display remarkably adaptability, and, as well as rapid physical adaptation, are known to develop complex cognitive capabilities, depending on environment and other interactions. This increase in intelligence, accompanied by a transition to an upright habit, gives rise to the higher order of Slugbob. It may be noted that the specific transition point is impossible to define, and is not marked by any telling event, or precipitated by any inevitable process, so that the Slug form may persist indefinitely or develop into one of the other branches.
Slug who interact regularly with Bob are generally considered domesticated, and are valued as unskilled labour or beasts of burden, and often play an important role of Slugbob civilisation and endeavours, but wild slug transfiguration is also possible, and marked by the assumption of some special trait or form, often in imitation of a herd, some local population or phenomenon. These can be as simple as a change in attitude or colouration, but also include more dramatic adaptations to environment, including forms better suited to flying, swimming, climbing etc., and, additionally, albeit rarely, may involve amalgamation of two or more Slug into the greater slug forms.
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